FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Engine Failure During Approach Leads to Crash Near Cartersville Airport (N21724)

Cartersville, GA, US

On February 16, 1999, a Piper PA-32RT-300 (registration N21724) was involved in an aviation accident near Cartersville, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: In flight collision with terrain for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A witness saw an airplane flying low toward Cartersville Airport when the engine stopped, followed by a nose-down impact into trees 1.6 miles northeast. The aircraft was destroyed, with debris scattered 700 feet. No pre-impact anomalies were found in the engine or airframe.

Accident Overview

A witness reported observing an airplane flying very low toward Cartersville Airport in Cartersville, Georgia. The witness heard the engine cease operation and then saw the airplane pitch nose-down and crash into trees. According to witnesses at the airport, the accident airplane never established communication on the Unicom frequency.

Impact and Debris

The airplane struck a wooded field approximately 1.6 miles northeast of the airport. The impact destroyed the aircraft, scattering debris over an area about 700 feet long on a southeast heading. Several large-diameter trees were broken or cut, and components of the airplane were found hanging in the branches of surrounding trees.

Post-Crash Observations

Residents living adjacent to the field reported a strong odor of fuel shortly after the crash. During the subsequent teardown inspection of the engine, no pre-impact discrepancies were identified. Similarly, no pre-impact anomalies were found in the airframe. The autopsy and toxicology reports were non-conclusive.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Feb 1999 Piper PA-32RT-300 accident near Cartersville, GA?

A witness saw an airplane flying low toward Cartersville Airport when the engine stopped, followed by a nose-down impact into trees 1.6 miles northeast. The aircraft was destroyed, with debris scattered 700 feet. No pre-impact anomalies were found in the engine or airframe.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Feb 1999 involved a Piper PA-32RT-300, registration N21724, at Cartersville, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

In flight collision with terrain for undetermined reasons.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00122. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.